Chukai | ||
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City | ||
The Sultan Ahmad Mosque
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Location in Malaysia | ||
Coordinates: 4°15′N 103°25′E / 4.250°N 103.417°E | ||
Country | Malaysia | |
State | Terengganu | |
District | Kemaman | |
Population (2017) | ||
• Total | 271,539 (2nd Terengganu) | |
Time zone | Malaysian Standard Time (UTC+8) | |
Postcode | 24xxx |
Chukai, also known by the name of Kemaman City (est. pop. (2017): over 260,000) is a mukim and capital of Kemaman District, Terengganu, Malaysia.
The name "Chukai" (proper spelling of the Malay word: cukai) means 'taxes' in Malay. The town is so named due to its position near the estuary of the Kemaman River, whereby taxes and levies were imposed on riverine traffic, especially during the British colonial period. Chukai is the biggest town in southern Terengganu, and its position between the state capitals of Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu as well as proximity to the oil town of Kerteh has turned Chukai into a major commercial hub for the region. Nearby Kemaman Port serves both as a fishing port and supply base for oil platforms off the Terengganu coast.
The Hai Peng Coffee Shop, located just off the main Kuantan-Kuala Terengganu route and near the town centre is famous for its fine coffees.
Other attractions in the vicinity include:
Many beaches are within a short driving distance from Chukai. They remain idyllic, undisturbed by the fast-growing pace of development in Terengganu.
Club Med Cherating Beach is about a 15 minutes drive south away from the town centre, towards Kuantan, Pahang. Another world class resort nearby is the Resorts World Kijal (formerly Awana), about 25 minutes drive north from the town centre, towards Kuala Terengganu, the state capital.
at low tide
one of the beaches
at low tide, lagoons form
The Hai Peng Coffee Shop, a Chukai landmark famous for its coffees and toast.